Putin's Rise: The Evolution of an Authoritarian Modernizer

Understanding any political leader is a difficult task, and perhaps this is especially true of Vladimir Putin. Donald Kelly takes up this challenge as he traces the Russian president's evolution from cautious reformer to authoritarian leader in the context of the Russian political system. “Kelly's distinctive narrative helps us understand Putin's motivations, while taking into account the changing circumstances under which he has served his nearly quarter-century in power.” - Rudra Sil, University of Pennsylvania. Contents: - Vladimir Putin as an autocrat and modernizer. - Russian politics: institutions and issues. - In preparation for the presidency. - A strong leader in a strong office. - Forced mediation and being satisfied with the minimum. - Putin-Medvedev duo. - Shift towards authoritarian rule. - Imperial President. - Declaration of war on Ukraine. - A sixth term... and beyond?